Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a developmental disorder which creates social, communication and behavioral challenges for individuals. Autism is not a single disorder, but rather a spectrum of numerous disorders with shared core symptoms.  According to the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria (DSM-IV), this term (Autism) is often used as an “umbrella” term for 5 childhood-onset conditions known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). This includes Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified  (PDD-NOS), Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Since DSM-5 was released in 2013, all five disorders were combined into the same disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children are now diagnosed based on their level of severity of ASD rather than onset conditions.

Individuals with ASD will experience difficulties in communicating and interacting with others. They will show repetitive behavior and restricted interests. These symptoms would affect how they function at school, work, social events, and other situations. Children with ASD develop at different rates from other children who are of the same age in areas such as cognitive, motor, language and social-emotional development. However, such individuals may excel in complex skills such as solving math problems, but have difficulty initiating conversations or making friends.

At present, autism is one of the most common developmental disabilities in Canada.  According to the Canadian National Autism Spectrum Disorder Surveillance System (NASS), autism’s prevalence is 1 in 66 children. Many people who have autism might also have a mental or neurological disorder such as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.

The exact causes of autism are unknown, however scientists have found some of the risk factors of having autism:

a) Genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Rett syndrome

b) Giving birth at an old age

c) Low Birth Weight

d) Having older children with ASD

Diagnosis of ASD could be as early as two years old and most children are not diagnosed until they are four. Screening tools and evaluation tools are used for assessment. Cognitive skills, language abilities and age appropriate skills would be assessed to determine if an individual child has ASD.

The term of “Autism” was first discovered by psychiatrist, Leo Kanner, in 1943 through 11 children who had high level of intelligence, obsession and for a long time being alone. It was viewed as a childhood schizophrenia back then. Until 1970s, it was viewed as a biological difference instead of childhood schizophrenia. By 1980s, objective criteria were established for diagnosing Autism. In 1994, Asperger syndrome was added to DSM and the definition of Autism was expanded. In 2013, all ASD subcategories were combined into one umbrella of disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder. This make ASD to be defined by severity level rather than disorder subcategories.

Symptoms of autism generally appear during the first three years of life. Individuals who have ASD’s tend to have varying degrees of difficulty in areas such as communication (verbal and non-verbal), social skills and interaction, restricted activities and interests. When it comes to the severity of the symptoms, as well as their combinations and patterns of behavior, their differences are very distinct. The following are signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders:

• Difficulty understanding the feelings, reactions and nonverbal cues of others
• Displaying a lack of interest in others, as well as displaying a lack of interest in sharing achievements and interests
• Unusual/inappropriate language, facial expressions and gestures (e.g. using facial expressions that do not match what the individual is saying or avoiding eye contact)
• Delay in speech (after the age of 2) or does not talk at all
• Taking what is said too literally, misses humour, irony and sarcasm
• Speaking in an abnormal tone of voice or with an odd rhythm/pitch
• Repeating words or phrases, as well as body movements (rocking, spinning, hand flapping)
• Unusual attachment to objects
• A strong need for order and routines; becomes upset when there is a change in the environment or in their routine

Myth:

People with ASD does not have the intention to make friends

Fact:

This is not true. People with autism are willing to make friends. However, social deficits make them difficult to make friends.

Myth:

Everyone with autism has special talents.

Fact:

By estimation, only around 10% individual with ASD have special talents in music, art, math and in memory. However, the majority excel on what they are interested in.

Myth:

People with autism will have it forever.

Fact:

Studies shown that sufficient early intervention for those who have ASD could make great improvements which are enough for them to be ruled out of the diagnosis.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml

https://www.autismspeaks.ca/about-autism/what-is-autism/

https://www.thenba.ca/disabilities/specific-developmental-disorder/

https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/diagnosis/dsm-5-diagnostic-criteria

https://www.autism.com/news_dsmV

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml

http://www.autism.org.sg/living-with-autism/myths-and-facts-of-autism

https://www.autismspeaks.org/node/113471

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/autism-70-%E2%80%93-kanner-dsm-5

https://www.britannica.com/science/autism

Answer:

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a method of analysis and implementation steps that is devoted to improving behaviour habits.  These behavioural methods are scientifically based and build up on existing profiles while reducing any problematic profiles.  It focuses on bettering personal and inter-personal and academic skills, as well as providing self-help tools and socialization skills. ABA treatments are less intensive and require less service hours.

Answer:

Your child will usually have a gradual progress. However, each child is different and progress might vary depending on the age, severity and level of functioning.

Answer:

ABA treatment is considered to be safe and effective. It has been practiced by many therapists and a numerous of health departments such as U.S. Surgeon General.

Studies shows that ABA treatments are useful in developing life skills for teenagers and adults, particularly in helping individuals to have a successful transition to independence and the workforce. However, more research is required to discover how ABA treatment would further benefit teenagers and adults.

Answer:

After an ABA treatment, you will find your child with a great improvement in areas of learning, reasoning, communication and adaptability. As well, individuals will able to develop life, social, communication and comprehension skills after the treatment.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapy-types/applied-behavior-analysis

https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment/applied-behavior-analysis-aba